§ 8. Mr. RALPH BEAUMONTasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the cost per ton of the ships due for completion in 1933 and 1934 and the cost per ton of pre-War ships, respectively; and if there are any factors tending to increase the cost per ton at the present day in comparison with pre-War times?
Sir B. EYRES MONSELLThe estimated cost per standard ton of the ships due for completion in 1933–34 is £216. The cost per standard ton of pre-War vessels of the same types and displacements was £115. There are many factors which have increased the cost of naval construction since 1914. Wages are higher, working hours are shorter, the cost of materials is considerably greater, and ships and their equipment are very much more complex. In view of these factors, the increase in cost per ton is certainly not greater than would have been expected.
§ Mr. BEAUMONTHas the attention of my right hon. Friend been drawn to an article in the Press giving these figures as £244 and £50, respectively?
Sir B. EYRES MONSELLYes, Sir, and the conclusion that article drew was that the increase was 390 per cent.; in fact, it is 90 per cent.